Florida 3-19-17 by Top Agent Magazine

FLORIDA EDITION

How to Overcome Your WORKPLACE FEARS ARE YOU DOING BUSINESS AS YOU on Facebook?

FEATURED AGENTS

MARYANN BATES ALEX NANTES TERRI TENNILLE COVER STORY

AMY SNOOK

CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE to Attract Future Clients PROPERTIES: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

FLORIDA EDITION

MARYANN BATES ALEX NANTES 7

TERRI

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Terri and h here since 1 AMY a combinat SNOOK home furnishings stores in three states. T until there was nothing left to manage. “A Working solo, Maryann p Growing up assisting her mother who sold real estate ® well Banker “and h Prior says, to turning Alex Nantes is a powerhouse Florida Realtorbroker,” with Terri interpersonal connections along the Jersey Shore, Maryann Bates cut her teeth early should so I did. impressive real I’e Century 21 Aztec & Associates. Hisget riseinto in this the industry, 90% rate of repeat and in the industry. When sheworld moved to Florida twenty years years now and I love it! pr of real estate began after serving six years in owner of five ref high caliber of service s ago, she decided to take the a leap goCorps into the business to Florida and ge U.S and Marine where he became athe Sergeant. Recently she three calls oneth worked at in Door military experience him multiple withreceived valu- homes to clients full-time, serving clients Alex’s not only in the Volusiaprovided County ents who wanted to sell! That’s special, knowledge into able leadership traits that would later pave the way ing worked on as many as et area, but also throughout the state of Florida, the U.S., for Terri. Having been eat, a business owner sleep and brea successes. He residential then went on toset work for of customers. What’s mo and the world. Today, she to is amany highly decorated howresearchto developlenging relationships an career and Goldman Sachs on Wall Street.itively “I loved sibility when it comes to h and commercial agent at Adams Cameron & Co. Realtors, “Every person ing and investing in the stock back. market, you had to I have, I create a with informed, enga where she has earned multiple designations as an eighsays, “even afterThe the sale. My past client Several years late be fearless and trust your intuition,” he works says. In that vein, forthright com teen-year recipient of the President’s Club Award, Million Florida. Alex lost profits he earned led him to buy first fixer-upmyhis everyday world as my new clients.” hallmarks her professio Dollar Producer Award, and SalesinLeader Award. to move b per the property New York. He taught himself design offorced working Wien and renovation skills and laterClearly sold his home not just afor “one and done”foragent, eighteen years fostering rela dential properties a profit. From that point on he was hooked, Alex quarterly friends, emails, Facebook, hand-writt Maryannanever dism Close to home, Maryann primarily serves the Volusia Building. He say would continue to purchase several properties in couldn’t possibly be mistaken for a corpo at the heart of every trans County area, with a particular focus on waterfront proprelations, marketi New York and Florida. you note after every sale, in addition to ships are everything,” she erties—though her nearly two decades of experience workedtofor Practis her clients. “I’m a real person them,” how I would want to be easily lends itself to areasHefarcan beyond that scope as well. by recall having an entrepreneurial spirit a pany acquiredtrea sure it stays thatatway. best interests rema very young age. “I vividly remember convincing of the nationwide valuable my parents to empty out a closet in our house solong lasting friendsi As one might guess, Terri has a insight creative that I can make it into an office by putting in a desk, eration, marketin itate to use it. She goes to the National w A are my rewards, Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 a black rotary phone, a makeshift briefcaseAssociation withimpacted Alex thatan and Florida of knew Realtors c my life documents and pretend to havewhere meetings with cli-all the ing to recover an mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com she absorbs shechildre can— three ideas grown real estate license ents.” he says. shepublisher. doesn’t Top see Agent other agents from her l No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the looking for better ways to market my pro Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published As for her marketi not enough just to materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. put up a video or take

AMY SNOOK

MARYANN BATES

ALEX NANTES

TERRI TENNILLE

CONTENTS

4) CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS

13) PROPERTIES: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

18) HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR WORKPLACE FEARS 22) ARE YOU DOING BUSINESS AS YOU ON FACEBOOK?

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S.

twofold approach with modern Of course, she doesniques use marketing videos YouTube as well asprint traditional avenuesin advertising and Coldwell Banker. She sends “Just Lis mailers, Maryann a where residents might be most likely to andMagazine also employs pf Top Agent She uses Facebook promotions. And she involving drones a company that puts her in their system f video tours, digital

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot 4

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients. To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals. So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause. In fact, they want and need you to promote them. And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n

Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n

Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n

Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a Top Agent Magazine

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secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n

Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n

What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you. Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content 6

that will draw in a broad range of followers. Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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AMY SNOOK Top Agent Magazine

Amy Snook co-owns her own successful title insurance company, American Fidelity Title, in addition to co-leading her real estate team with partner Noreen Payne, in Delray Beach.

AMY SNOOK After an enormously successful career in Corporate America, Amy Snook decided to make the leap into the title insurance industry 14 years ago, after she was offered a chance to help build a company owned by a friend. “What I didn’t realize at the time was how exciting the real estate industry was. I became so passionate about it that I got my title agent’s license and my real estate license and I haven’t looked back since,” she said. 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Today, Amy co-owns a successful title insurance company, American Fidelity Title, in addition to co-leading her real estate team. In January, 2016, Amy partnered with Noreen Payne, of Delray Beach, and the two have quickly become one of the top-performing teams in South Florida. “We are really loving our new partnership,” she said. “We both bring a unique background and expertise to the team, which has been an amazing advantage to our clients. I bring legal and contract expertise to the table from my title insurance experience and Noreen has an extensive sphere of influence in the areas we represent, especially in Delray Beach. I think that makes us an unbeatable combo. It’s been a natural fit.” Top Agent Magazine

Amy and Noreen’s ability to provide customer experience has given them an impressive 70 percent repeat and referral business rate, which is very high for the industry. Also, they both have a corporate background which has given them a unique perspective on sales. “We work very hard to begin with and we are both creative, which allows us to think outside of the box when it comes to creating innovative solutions for our clients,” Amy said. “We use a comprehensive Top Agent Magazine

approach, including the Internet and more traditional methods like creative twists on open houses, including twilight events that include wine and cheese. We’re also able to talk to our clients on both a logical and an emotional level, which is important in this business. We know how to make deals work. If problems arise, we don’t panic. We find solutions.” Both Amy and Noreen also believe strongly in giving back to the community. Amy is involved with several animal-resCopyright Top Agent Magazine9

I know Arizona landlord-tenant law like the back of my hand.”

cue charities and Noreen supports charities that help children in the community. “It’s important to give back,” Amy explained. “We do well and we don’t take that for granted. Not only do we feel like we owe it to give back, we feel fortunate that we can.” When she isn’t working Amy spends time with her loved ones and enjoys working out. “Family is my top priority. I really treasure my relationships and living a healthy lifestyle,” she said. Amy would Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

love to continue seeing her business grow and is looking to bring new agents onto the team. She would love nothing more than to mentor agents and help them to achieve the success that has blessed her and Noreen. “I love training new agents and have been becoming more involved in that. I’ll also be the Governor of the Florida State Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors in 2017, and I’m excited to start helping more women become entrepreTop Agent Magazine

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neurs and leaders in their communities,” she explained. “It might be a cliché’, but I really love helping people. My clients know they can reach me any time. They can count on me. They trust us, respect our expertise and rely on us. That’s a wonderful feeling.

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“As a Realtor®, you really impact people’s lives and that’s a big deal, and through my title company, I get to impact the lives of other Realtors®. I am equally dedicated to helping all of the people I serve through both companies achieve their real-estate goals. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

To learn more about AMY SNOOK call email or visit AllAboutFloridaHomes.com

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Properties: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly by Denise Lones

I was shocked. There it was. An expensive property near a busy intersection that had stayed on the market for almost a year. I asked one of my agents, “Why hasn’t this one sold?”

But none of these are reasons to put this property on the back shelf. In fact, there is a market for every market, no matter its location or condition. Too often, we make the mistake of shortchanging sellers who don’t have manicured lawns on cul-de-sacs with perfect houses. We prejudge our own listings to the detriment of the people we’re supposed to be serving.

He said, “Because it’s a dog. Look at it. Nobody wants those turrets that stick out like that. And besides, it’s at that intersection where there’s traffic all day long.” I’ve been there. I’ve driven to properties hoping for a terraced I couldn’t believe what I was masterpiece with a stunning garden, hearing. This agent had “classified” and then felt that sick dropping this property in his own mind as feeling in the pit of my stomach something that wasn’t worth the when I finally saw it. trouble to market—pretending to service his customer while doing What do most agents do? They’re nothing. True, it wasn’t as beautiful polite, they take the listing, and they or pristine as surrounding neigh- get out of there fast. They rely too borhoods. True, it was in a not-so- much on their own opinion of the prime location. True, it could use property rather than pulling statistics to determine its true market value. some handyman work. Top Agent Magazine

OR they tell the seller, “This house isn’t going to sell unless you change the carpet, fix the paint, install new roofing, etc.” Beware! This could lead into a legal nightmare. While on the surface this agent is giving generic advice, what if the seller does everything the agent suggests—and the house still doesn’t sell? That agent might want to call a good lawyer.

If a property needs work, that’s never a reason it won’t sell. There are investors, handypersons, contractors, and do-it-yourselfers who love these properties. Go to your local real estate investment club meeting and you’ll find people searching frantically for such properties. Advertise it as a “Handyman’s Special.” Target these people directly. You may be amazed how many of them are out there.

Here’s the truth: Every property— True, you may have to advise the good, bad, and ugly—will sell if seller they won’t get top-dollar if priced right. It is always about price. a lot of work needs to be done. There is always someone in the But this is the true issue here—not market ready and willing to buy the work itself. It’s always about right now for the right price. price. 14

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Let’s talk ugly. A house is in pristine condition, but has a rather peculiar look. Well, I have news for you: Just because you think a house is ugly doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there who will say, “This is the home I’ve been looking for all my life!”

cannot tell you how many times my jaw dropped when someone told me, “Perfect! We love it!” So, I’ve learned never to judge a house by its paint job, landscaping, or design.

You are not the world’s taste critic. You cannot tell what people want. I

You have a job to do: sell the house at top-market price. You are hired to be the market expert. Sellers don’t Did you know there are people out have the time to do so themselves. there who prefer ugly houses? Yes, That’s why you have a career. ugly houses! Some people don’t care about the outside of a property. It’s always the market that They’re only interested in the determines what sells. No matter the inside, where they know they will shape, size, or condition. And you be spending most of their time. are not in charge of the market, These are people who don’t buy to which as always is based on supply impress others, but rather to please and demand. Whatever is in demand themselves. Thank goodness for will sell, whether it’s a beachfront these people. Without them, we’d mansion or a shack in the woods. Be have to tear down half the planet! creative. Use your marketing to target people who truly want these I’ve seen houses that look like properties. But most importantly, something from a Stephen King price the property correctly for the novel sell overnight while another market. that could be on the cover of Home and Garden languishes on the market Know thy market and thou shalt for weeks. Why? Because somebody know what sells—good, bad, or wanted that house. Period. ugly.

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MARYANN BATES

Growing up assisting her mother who sold real estate along the Jersey Shore, Maryann Bates cut her teeth early in the industry. When she moved to Florida twenty years ago, she decided to take a leap and go into the business full-time, serving clients not only in the Volusia County area, but also throughout the state of Florida, the U.S., and the world. Today, she is a highly decorated residential and commercial agent at Adams Cameron & Co. Realtors, where she has earned multiple designations as an eighteen-year recipient of the President’s Club Award, Million Dollar Producer Award, and the Sales Leader Award. Close to home, Maryann primarily serves the Volusia County area, with a particular focus on waterfront properties—though her nearly two decades of experience easily lends itself to areas far beyond that scope as well.

Working solo, Maryann places particular focus on the interpersonal connections she forges with clients, her 90% rate of repeat and referral business a testament to the high caliber of service she provides. She has also sold multiple homes to clients that remain happily loyal, having worked on as many as eleven properties with the same set of customers. What’s more, Maryann prioritizes accessibility when it comes to her clients, keeping those she works with informed, engaged, and always a step ahead. In that vein, forthright communication and integrity are hallmarks of her professional ethos. Having spent over eighteen years fostering relationships with clients-turnedfriends, Maryann never dismisses the personal component at the heart of every transaction. “Family and relationships are everything,” she recounts. “I treat my clients how I would want to be treated. Looking after my clients’ best interests remains top priority for me. The long lasting friendships I have been blessed with are my rewards, which in turn have positively impacted my life and the lives of my husband and three grown children.” As for her marketing efforts, Maryann favors a twofold approach that blends traditional techniques with modern ones. In addition to utilizing print advertising in newspapers, magazines, and mailers, Maryann advertises on multiple websites and also employs professional aerial photography involving drones and helicopters, in addition to video tours, digital listing platforms, and social media outreach. Having worked in the area for

several years, Maryann has also been able to cultivate long-lasting professional relationships with other agents, making for exceptionally smooth transactions. To keep in touch with clients past and potential, she stays connected through a variety of means, including Christmas and birthday cards, e-mails, personal phone calls, and—as always—face-to-face efforts. “My clients trust me and it’s a wonderful feeling,” Maryann reflects. “I go outside the box to keep in touch with everyone, because my clients and I so often become lifelong friends. Staying engaged in their lives is something I actively enjoy.” Maryann’s spirit of service extends to her local community, as well. Not only is she a member of the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors, she also contributes her efforts to breast cancer research, holiday toy drives,

and school supply drives for young students in need. She also works in conjunction with local merchants to contribute to additional charity-supporting ventures. In her free hours, Maryann and her husband enjoy taking their boat out on the water, spending time at the beach, bike riding, and most of all, visiting her children and grandchildren. Looking ahead, Maryann has plans to continue to grow her already flourishing business, maintaining the memorable relationships she has nurtured over the years, along with the exemplary standard of care with which she has served her clients. A masterful career already under her belt, Maryann has equipped herself with roughly two decades of hands-on experience and keen insight, assuring that the years ahead remain filled with a wealth of promise.

To learn more about Maryann Bates, visit MaryannBates.AdamsCameron.com e-mail MaryannBates@adamscameron.com or call (386) 547-9512 www.

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How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here is a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me,

ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

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it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world. Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, Top Agent Magazine

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.

you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence. A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties. Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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ALEX NANTES

Alex Nantes is a powerhouse Florida Realtor® with Century 21 Aztec & Associates. His rise in the world of real estate began after serving six years in the U.S Marine Corps where he became a Sergeant. Alex’s military experience provided him with valuable leadership traits that would later pave the way to many successes. He then went on to work for Goldman Sachs on Wall Street. “I loved researching and investing in the stock market, you had to be fearless and trust your intuition,” he says. The profits he earned led him to buy his first fixer-upper property in New York. He taught himself design and renovation skills and later sold his home for a profit. From that point on he was hooked, Alex would continue to purchase several properties in New York and Florida. He can recall having an entrepreneurial spirit at a very young age. “I vividly remember convincing my parents to empty out a closet in our house so that I can make it into an office by putting in a desk, a black rotary phone, a makeshift briefcase with documents and pretend to have meetings with clients.” he says. 20

Prior to turning thirty, Alex had already built an impressive real estate portfolio and was the proud owner of five properties. Alex decided to move to Florida and get his real estate license. He later worked at Door to Door Realty gaining priceless knowledge into the real estate business. “I would eat, sleep and breathe real estate, it is the most challenging career and the most rewarding,” he says. Several years later the real estate market crashed in Florida. Alex lost most of his investments and was forced to move back to New York City. He began working for Wien & Malkin, a developer of residential properties and owners of the Empire State Building. He says, “I learned a lot about investor relations, marketing and acquisitions.” Later, Alex worked for Practical Law, a legal publishing company acquired by Thomson Reuters. He was part of the nationwide sales operations team, “I gained valuable insight into sales management, lead generation, marketing, databases and CRM systems.” Alex knew that the real estate market was starting to recover and decided to get his New York real estate license. He worked for EXIT Kingdom Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Realty and quickly became one of the top producers. Alex says, “My passion for real estate was reignited, I was on a mission!” Alex eventually bought a home and moved back to Florida with his family. He immediately got his Florida real estate license and hit the ground running. Within a short period of time, Alex became one of the top producers and has received the Masters Ruby award for Century 21. He has listed and sold several million dollar luxury beachfront properties. Clients remember Alex for his charismatic and personable approach to business. He takes great care in paying attention to his clients’ needs. His love for the real estate business is evident. “Every day is different, challenging and full of possibilities. There is never a dull moment in real estate” he says. When it comes to marketing his listings, keeping up with the latest market trends and technology is very important to Alex, “I use online marketing campaigns, social media ads and aerial photography to showcase properties.” Despite Alex’s busy schedule, he still finds time to give back to his community and donates a small portion of his commission to charity. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, “I have two active boys and living in Florida is amazing! We love boating, exploring beaches and visiting the theme parks.” he says. In the future, Alex looks to expand his business by creating a sales team and eventually opening up his own brokerage. “As a father, I’m really focused on creating a legacy for my children.” Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Alex Nantes visit: mlsfloridahomes.com, call him at (917) 651-9820 or email: alexn@c21aztec.com www.

Are You Doing Business As YOU On Facebook? Are you ‘Doing Business As YOU’ on your personal Facebook page? In other words, are you posting your business content from your personal page? Yesterday a REALTOR® asked us, “Why should I bother with a company Facebook page? Can’t I just post everything from my profile page?” The answer lies in what we call division of content. As you may be aware, social media began as just that… social. It was never truly intended for business use. Over time, as businesses began to see the potential in reaching the masses in a new way, they began to intrude on this communication. Today, it is widely accepted that business will be conducted on all social platforms, but the manner in which we do so (and in which we are received) is still a touchy subject at times. We believe it’s important to be transparent on social media. Draw the line between communicating as the Person and the Professional. Not only does this help you keep your content separate and appropriate, it also gives the control to your network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and customers. They get to decide whether to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ your company page. They get to decide whether they want to see your business related posts. User control is the #1 reason you need a business page if you’re conducting business on Facebook. Wouldn’t you rather have a willing and engaged audience over a forced, potentially reluctant one? We have personally eliminated many of the ‘DBA’ offenders from our news feeds and you have likely done the same.

As in all controversial social media topics, there is some gray area. And that gray area is often subjective, so consider this post food for thought and decide for yourself. We try our best to keep professional content on our business pages, with a couple of exceptions: 1. Philanthropic Promotion: We’re in favor of posting anything that will help an organization in need on both your personal and business pages. Nonprofits often have little to no marketing budget and rely on all of us to promote their good works, so we believe that’s a good line to cross (as long as it’s about the organization, and not you). 2. Recognition Tagging: Facebook does not allow you to tag an individual on your business page. Yes, there are some tricky work-arounds, but they are inconsistent at best. So when it’s truly important for us to recognize and tag an individual, especially someone who has done something nice for us (inviting us as guests on their radio show or podcast, for instance), we will generally post that on the business page first, then share it from our personal pages, along with a comment recognizing and tagging the individual(s) or business who helped us. Either way (personal or business), remember to be true to the social aspect. Our participation on social media should be about giving, helping, recognizing and connecting…especially when it comes to your business.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com. 22

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TERRI TENNILLE It’s easy to see why Terri Tennille is an award-winning Realtor. Unlike other Amelia Island agents, she eagerly tries new marketing methods, surrounds herself with the best minds in the business, and gives customer service like it’s going out of style. Terri and her husband have lived here since 1979, when they owned a combination of 11 clothing and home furnishings stores in three states. They slowly sold them, until there was nothing left to manage. “A good friend is a Coldwell Banker broker,” Terri says, “and he’d been telling me I should get into this industry, so I did. I’ve been doing it for 13 years now and I love it! Recently she received three calls in one week from former clients who wanted to sell! That’s special, but it’s not unheard of for Terri. Having been a business owner, she understands intuitively how to develop relationships and keep clients coming back. “Every person I have, I create a relationship with,” she says, “even after the sale. My past clients are as much a part of my everyday world as my new clients.”

“I love going to work every day!” she says. “Every day is different and I meet so many fantastic people. This is Florida, so you can be outdoors! It’s wonderful to go out and walk on the beach with your customers.” This is Terri’s first year as an officer on her local Real Estate Board, after serving on the board four years. She’s also now on the National Association of Realtors’ committee of Second Homes and Resorts. But her personal passion? Animal rescue. She even started her own rescue group a few years ago. She’s also active in the local Humane Society and several charities. The best way Terri unwinds is to go boating or escape to their second home in the Bahamas, where she and her husband can be on the water and relax and think clearly about the future. “I always want to be better than I was the year before,” she says. She has been so far, and she’s headed in the right direction again this year.

Clearly not just a “one and done” agent, she stays in touch with quarterly emails, Facebook, a hand-written Christmas card that couldn’t possibly be mistaken for a corporate card, and a thankyou note after every sale, in addition to going out socially with her clients. “I’m a real person to them,” she says, and she makes sure it stays that way. As one might guess, Terri has a creative mind and doesn’t hesitate to use it. She goes to the National Association of Realtors and Florida Association of Realtors conferences each year, where she absorbs all the ideas she can—and where, by the way, she doesn’t see other agents from her local area. “I’m always looking for better ways to market my properties,” she says. “It’s not enough just to put up a video or take pictures.” Of course, she does use marketing videos, but she posts them on YouTube as well as traditional avenues such as Zillow, Trulia, and Coldwell Banker. She sends “Just Listed” postcards to areas where residents might be most likely to find the homes enticing. She uses Facebook promotions. And she works with a coaching company that puts her in their system for email blasts. While many Amelia Island homes are second homes that already look like magazine layouts, Terri occasionally finds one that doesn’t and brings in a professional stager or organizer. Top Agent Magazine

For more information about Terri Tennille of the Island Team at Coldwell Banker, The Amelia Group, Fernandina Beach, Florida, visit coldwellbanker/Terri-Tennille, call 904.415.1002 or email amelia4sale@aol.com www.

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